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How to Install Cisco AnyConnect VPN on Ubuntu

Richard

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The content provides a tutorial on how to download and install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN software on Linux-based Ubuntu 18.04 and 16.04 desktop computers. It explains that not everyone is eligible to download the tool and discusses the installation process in detail, including the prerequisites and the installation of DART (Cisco AnyConnect Diagnostic and Reporting…

This article explains installing the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client on Ubuntu Linux.

Cisco AnyConnect VPN software allows remote users and employees to securely connect to a Cisco VPN gateway in an enterprise environment.

Employees use the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client to establish connectivity to a Cisco SSL VPN server. The connected users or employees are granted access to internal resources if authentication is approved.

This is a widely used and popular VPN server within enterprises. If you’re a Linux user who needs help installing and using AnyConnect, this brief tutorial will show you how to do it.

It shows you how to download and install AnyConnect using Ubuntu 18.04 or 16.04 desktop computers.

When you’re ready to install AnyConnect, follow the steps below:

First, you must know that not everyone can download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. The software is available to customers with active AnyConnect Apex, Plus, or VPN Only terms/contracts.

Your system/network administrator(s) may have to get a login to Cisco’s portal and download the software for you. or provide you log in to get into the portal.

AnyConnect download location is at the link below:

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/283000185

Install Prerequisites

Some packages will need to be installed before AnyConnect is installed. To do that, run the commands below:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install lib32z1 lib32ncurses5

Install AnyConnect VPN Client

After installing the packages above, download the AnyConnect file from its Download location.

Once you have downloaded the AnyConnect VPN tarball, double-click to extract the folder downloaded folder or use the below commands; the current file should be named anyconnect-linux64-4.7.03052-predeploy-k9.tar.gz.

By default, the file will be downloaded to your home folder ( /home/user/Downloads ), but typically, the last directory used by the browser is where automatic downloads are placed.

Run the commands below to extract the downloaded file if you cannot double-click to extract it.

tar xvf anyconnect-linux64-4.7.03052-predeploy-k9.tar.gz

After extracting, open the newly extracted folder to find the VPN folder. Change into the VPN folder.

cd vpn

Right-click the vpn_install.sh file.

Select Run.

Use the GUI App to install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client at the root level.

If you can’t install it via the GUI app, run the commands below to install it.

sudo ./vpn_install.sh

That will install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client for you.

Install DART

To install Dart, follow the steps below:

First, open the Dart. Folder inside the newly-extract and connect folder.

Right-click the dart_install.sh file.

Then select Run.

Use the GUI App to install the Cisco AnyConnect Diagnostic and Reporting Tool.

If the GUI installation doesn’t work, run the commands below to install it.

sudo .⁄dart_install.sh

That should install AnyConnect for you, including DART. After that, the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client should be ready to use.

Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client

Now, you have to launch it and connect to the VPN gateway.

That’s!

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Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

  1. Matt Avatar
    Matt

    Thanks for the guide.
    lib32ncurses5 is gone, and should be lib32ncurses6 now.
    Best.

    Reply
  2. Martin Avatar
    Martin

    Hi. You can check previous version of the vpn client in https://ftp.scanplus.de/pub/cisco-vpn-client/ , after all, the client will update itself to the current stable version. And work pritty fine! Thanks for the publication.

    Reply
  3. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Hi,

    I am running Ubuntu 20.04.
    I get this error:
    ================================================
    >> state: Connecting
    >> notice: Establishing VPN session…
    The AnyConnect Downloader is analyzing this computer. Please wait…
    The AnyConnect Downloader is performing update checks…
    >> notice: The AnyConnect Downloader is performing update checks…
    >> notice: Checking for profile updates…
    >> notice: Checking for product updates…
    Failed to get configuration because AnyConnect cannot confirm it is connected to your secure gateway. Contact your system administrator.
    >> notice: Connection attempt has failed.
    >> error: AnyConnect was not able to establish a connection to the specified secure gateway. Please try connecting again.
    >> state: Disconnected
    ================================================

    Please advice

    Reply
    1. tom Avatar
      tom

      im getting the same issue on my desktop but laptop is fine. both running 20.4

      Reply
      1. Kim Avatar
        Kim

        I am using laptop and VMware

        Reply
  4. Arjun Sachdeva Avatar
    Arjun Sachdeva

    Thank you for the guide.
    I am also facing this issue where after authentication anyconnect doesnt go through with the connection

    Error Message: AnyConnect was not able to establish a connection to the specified secure gateway. Please try connecting again.

    Interestingly, initially i was able to get this connection working, after 30-40 minutes of usage, now im not able to get through at all.

    OS: Ubuntu 18.04
    Environment: Hyper-V on Windows 10

    Any ideas on what can be done?

    Reply
    1. IvnSrn Avatar
      IvnSrn

      Debes colocar la tarjeta de red de la VM en modo Bridge.

      Reply
  5. Rod Avatar
    Rod

    Ubuntu 20.04

    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get install lib32z1 lib32ncurses5-dev

    And works!

    To Save profile use this path:
    /opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile/preferences.xml
    With a valid preferences.xml file

    Reply
  6. Tiger Yu Avatar
    Tiger Yu

    Any ideas on how to connect to a server that requires a TLS certificate?

    Reply
  7. Siva Avatar
    Siva

    i am getting the following error.
    siva@SivaPC:~/Desktop/anyconnect-predeploy-linux-64-4.2.01022-k9/anyconnect-4.2.01022/vpn$ ./vpnui
    ./vpnui: error while loading shared libraries: libpangox-1.0.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory
    siva@SivaPC:~/Desktop/anyconnect-predeploy-linux-64-4.2.01022-k9/anyconnect-4.2.01022/vpn$

    Reply
  8. James Avatar
    James

    i was wondering if i can install this on ubuntu server?
    i need gui right?

    Reply
  9. Vanderson Avatar
    Vanderson

    Hi There,

    Does anyone have any idea how do I import the certificate?

    Thanks

    Reply
  10. Vibhav Avatar
    Vibhav

    Internet stopped working after connecting with the Cisco Anyconnect VPN

    Reply
    1. andy Avatar
      andy

      Yes, it does it because it is making a virtual connection and all traffic must go through a specific port, it is for your safety. you have to select a port through which all encrypted traffic will pass.

      Reply
  11. ujang Avatar
    ujang

    Hi, how i can install cisco anyconnect in 32 bit ?

    Reply

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